The gaming industry enjoys a huge following in the US, with some form of casino gambling legal in forty-six states. Part of this expansion is due to recent changes in federal laws that allow gambling on recognized Native American reservations. Names like Harrah's and Boyd's are leading the way in Indian gaming with huge, elaborate casinos. Riverboat gambling is also enjoying a renaissance, with gaming boats regurlarly plying the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Gambling junkets, or cruise ships that sail just outside the jurisdiction of states where gambling is illegal, also enjoy a vibrant clientele. Yes, gambling has shed its once dubious reputation.
Even Las Vegas, long known as Sin City, is experiencing drastic changes. Vegas casinos are now publicly traded major corporations and are much appreciated for their entertainment value. The organized crime element is out, and new state and federal regulations are in. Many families center their vacations around casinos because ironically, casino towns often include exciting activities for children, as well as gaming action for the adults.
The Demand for Qualified Poker Dealers
One of the most popular games at a casino is poker. The popularity of poker playing reached an all-time high seven years ago, and while many felt this phenomenon was a pasing fad, the game's popularity has not diminished. Poker continues to be one of the most-watched sports on ESPN, and casino managers report that because of the enthusiastic interest in poker, they often have difficulty finding enough qualified dealers, so the job market for poker dealers is wide open.
How Much Can You Earn?
Qualified poker dealers in the US can enjoy an exciting, lucrative career. With more and more casinos opening across the nation, knowledgeable dealers are in high demand. Depending on the individual casino, poker dealers often start out at minimum wage but can earn much more through tips. A proficient dealer can earn up to $25 per hour, or $50,000 per year. Experienced poker dealers who work the high-roller games at large casinos make as much as $100,000 a year.
Job Responsibilities
A poker dealer is responsible for shuffling the cards, distributing the cards to players, and if the game requires it, turning up community cards on the table. The dealer controls the action by encouraging the players to act, correcting participants who play out of turn, and announcing the action of a player to the rest of the table. The dealer also manages the pot and verifies the amount of bets and raises. Typically, a dealer works for one hour and then takes a short break before returning to the action.
Non-Certified Dealers
Some casinos hire dealers who are not certified. During the height of the gaming season, some casinos will hire inexperienced dealers and send them to their own in-house school. These schools teach participants one or two games, depending on the needs of the casino at the time. The instruction is free, and the dealer might even be paid a minimum salary while learning the neccessary skills. Some casinos, like the Luxor in Las Vegas, offer a month-long training course in general job skills. The MGM Grand sends their new employees to a training facility referred to as The University of Oz.
If you lack formal training in poker dealing but have hands-on experience, you might still be able to find a job in a casino. A good place to start in this business is at a "break-in house." This is a small casino that doesn't have the status or sparkle of the big, popular casinos. Bets are generally small, and so are the tips, but it's a good way to get your proverbial foot in the door. You'll be required to audition when applying for a job as a poker dealer. Your potential employer will "grade" you on your knowledge of the game, your skill at shuffling and dealing, how polite your are to customers, your math skills, and your showmanship.
How to Become a Certified Poker Dealer: Dealer Schools
Another route to landing a job as a professional poker dealer is to get certified. This is achieved by receiving training at a one of the many dealer schools in the US, located in California, Nevada, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregan, and Washington. Poker courses generally last about four weeks, and tuition is typically about $500. Some of the dealer schools offer financial aid, and many offer job placement assistance. Most states require students to be at least twenty-one years of age by the completion of the course.
Do I Have What It Takes?
A good candidate for poker dealer school should be friendly, outgoing, and possess people skills. They should be able to concentrate and work in stressful situations without becoming angry or agitated. They should be assertive and able to make stable decisions on their own. They should also be neat in appearance and be able to sit for long periods of time. They must also be articulate in speech so that players can both hear and understand them. Shy people who eschew the "party scene" might want to re-think becoming a poker dealer.
What Will I Learn at a Dealer School?
Poker dealer courses cover all aspects of dealing. Students learn how to shuffle cards proficiently and how to deal cards quickly and effectively. Students also learn specific rules of games such as seven card stud, Texas hold 'em, and hi/lo. They learn to take bets, handle chips, and to effectively manage the pots, as well as the players themselves. Most dealer schools offer flexible schedules, with both daytime and evening courses.
Most dealer schools provide training in a mock-casino setting, with actual poker tables like the ones used in casinos. Classmates often act as players. Students get hands-on training in these scenarios.
Part of learning to be an accomplished dealer is the ability to handle the players, including abrasive or angry players. At many of the better dealer schools, instructors provide the students with such situations. The instructor himself might play the part of a belligerent participant, so that the soon-to-be dealer will have the opportunity to deal with difficult players in a controlled setting before facing them in actuality.
The best dealer schools endeavor to acclimate students to realistic casino settings as part of the training course. As students become familiar with the basics of poker, these schools will inject background noise, bright lights, and other elements of confusion like those found in actual casinos.
Specific Skills Taught in Poker Dealer Courses:
* Shuffling - How to achieve a true random shuffle quickly and to casino standards
* Side pots - How to sort side pots quickly and correctly
* Rakes - How to calculate and take a rake, along with typical rake schedules
* Chips - How to handle and count chips
* Manage your table - How to keep the action running smoothly
* Manage your players - How to deal with difficult players
* Table layout - Where to place the pot, burn cards, the turn, the river, the flop
* Side pots - Where to put them and how to award them to the correct player
* Misdeals - When to declare one and how to avoid them
What to Expect When Landing a Job
Once students satisfactorily complete a poker dealer course, they should be prepared to work in a casino. Even with proper training, however, a new dealer should not expect to immediately land a job at a top casino in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Like most careers, poker dealers generally start near the bottom and work their way up. Still, depending on how fast you can deal the cards and run your games, even novices can earn close to the $25 an hour mark with salary and tips.
Before you are hired, your potential employer will complete a criminal background check on you, along with your work history, your education, and possibly a credit check. Your personal character will be an important aspect. Don't be surprised if you have to sign a release form allowing the casino management to investigate you. It's standard procedure in almost all major casinos in the US. Some states and cities will also require you to obtain a gaming license, which could cost as much as $350 for a three-year permit. Your employer will be familiar with exactly what paperwork is needed.
Beginning dealers will most likely be given the less desirable shifts, with fewer players. This means less tips. Also, working holidays is practically mandatory because that's when people are off work and able to spend time visiting casinos. Of course, the up side of working holidays is that more potential players come through the doors, which means more action and tips for you.
Benefits of Becoming a Poker Dealer
The benefits of becoming a qualified poker dealer in the US are enormous. The amount of time and money you spend becoming certified are miniscule in comparison to the amount of money you can make. In addition, most casinos provide their employees with benefits like medical, dental, and a pension plan. At some large casinos, employees eat free, too. Some casinos even offer education assistance to their employees. For example, if you take classes directly related to your present job or to a possible future job with the same employer, the casino will often provide financial assistance and might even pay for the classes outright.